Chapter 28 Untitled Chapter
CLAIRE
I was leading the horse back to the stable when I bumped into Jet and Freya. From how they were dressed, I could tell they were going riding so I passed on the horse to her, excusing myself. On my way back to the house, I couldn’t help but wonder if Hunter had mentioned anything to Jet.
Whenever we cross paths, he simply observes me like I was a piece of puzzle he was trying to figure out. It’s bad enough that I have Hunter to deal with, I don’t want Jet included in the equation.
“Claire! I have been wondering where you went.” Camille said, meeting up with me at the front steps. “Why do you smell like fuel?”
Swearing silently, because I didn’t realize that until she pointed it out. Come to think of it, that may be the reason why Jet was staring at me earlier. Before Hunter would come home and smell it on me, I attempted to hurry into the house, only to get stopped by Camille.
“Don’t rush off yet, I was wondering if we could go into the city today. Your welcome party is coming up and I have nothing to wear.” She whines, making a puppy face at me.
Unfortunately for her, I don’t like dogs. “You just said I was smelling like fuel, do you want me to go out with you smelling like that?” I paused, realizing she wasn’t flinching away from my touch like Freya did.
“Was that a yes? Very well then! I will wait for you.”
“No, why don’t you take Hazel? She picks out Freya’s clothes, meaning she has an eye for fashion. I’m sure she will be more than happy to help you out,” I pointed out, walking up the steps.
She trailed behind me. “Hazel? She would rather be with Freya, besides I don’t like her.”
I halt, turning to look at her. “Why? Has she done something to upset you? If she has then you should report her to Freya. You know she’s protective of the girl, Madam Katherine is still upset about losing control over one of her servants, not even Lady Muna interferes.”
“It’s not as much as what she has done to me, but her position in this family. Why does she get special treatment above other servants? Do you think it’s unfair? I think it’s very unfair.” She complained, following me into the bedroom.
While I wasn’t paying that much attention to her rant, I couldn’t help, but notice she sounded jealous. The idea of Camille being jealous of a maid was ridiculous… almost unbelievable even.
I opened my closet and stopped. “You want her to return to the servant quarter, is that so?”
“Well…”
There was a knock on the door, and she stopped talking to answer it. Kale pokes his head through the door as Camille attempts to close it when she saw it was him. Using his strength, he forced his way in and gave her a little push on the head.
“Claire, Hunter just called, he said the weapon room at the camp was on fire.” He informed me.
“What?” I feign shock. “And why are you telling me this? Is he accusing me of setting the place on fire?”
Kale exchanges a confused expression with Camille. “I don’t think so, I thought you might want to be there. Jet and Freya rode out a few minutes ago, so I thought you should know.”
“Of course!” I let out a chuckle, so they will know I was only joking. “I’m afraid I’ll have to wait until he gets back, I promise Camille to go shopping with her to pick out a dress for my welcome home party. You will be there too, right?”
“Ah, ever so shallow.” He replied, poking Camille’s head once more. “Will Esther be invited to this party?”
Camille poked his head right back, laughing at the mention of Esther. “Please let her be there, Kale would love for her to be there.”
“No, I will not!” His voice was sharp, indicating how serious he was. “Never mind Claire, I will cover for Hunter at the training centre. You girls enjoy yourself—Camille not included.”
“I feel so out of loop, I thought he got along with Eather fine, what happened?” I asked her once Kale left the room.
“I don’t know, I also came back to find out that he has started to avoid her. He refused to tell him what happened between them, if you ask me I’d say it was his fault.”
“Give me a second to change then.” I told her, having no idea what to comment on what she just told me.
Although, I very much agreed that whatever happened between them was likely Kale’s fault. I have known him for almost all his life, he never took anything serious. Hence his reason for not wanting a mate, it was probably for the best, because I pity whatever poor girl is going to end up being his destined mate.
Almost an hour later, I was ready and leaving the house with Camille. She must have informed one of the drivers we were going out—because I didn’t remember to.
“Good day Lady Claire, Lady Camille.” The driver tipped his hat, opening Camille’s side of the door.
“Did we hire a new driver?” I hear her whisper under her breath. “He’s hot!”
Since we were out shopping, I thought about buying a few things for myself as well. The first store we arrived in, immediately ushered her in, taking us to the vip lounge. We were served some champagne as we scroll through the magazine of their best sellers, and other categories.
“Lady Claire?” An unfamiliar voice called.
Looking up, I recognized Nadia almost immediately. “Nadia…” I looked around, to see if she had any companions.
“It’s good to see you here, especially after the way things ended at the council the last time. Which is strange because Trisha came to me the very next day, it almost sounds like PR.”
Mentally rolling my eyes, I replied. “I’m sure she just wants to ease your mind, I mean what’s a few traumatized humans going to do to you? You hold a high position in the pack, you shouldn’t feel threatened at all.”
“Oh no!” She laughed, like I said something funny. “I have called Luna’s attention to it and will be waiting for her response.”
Seriously? I almost scoffed. “You do understand that our Luna is human… right? Do you expect her to send her kind to death?”
“She is half-human—” Interrupted Camille, taking a step away from the stylist. “Meaning she is from both worlds, I believe she can handle your concern just fine.”
I was about to reply to her when I glimpsed a familiar figure from the display window as one of the stylists parted the drapes to the vip section. Leaving Camille to deal with Nadia, I hurried out, knowing there’s no way I could mistake Heather’s long tight ponytail!
I chased after her, ignoring the curious stares of passing by. Without looking back, which I’m sure she doesn’t need to because she is a witch. She picked up her pace, bumping into people as she started to run.
“Stop her!” I shouted at no one in particular, swearing under my breath as the skirt I was wearing was slowing me down. Why did I choose to wear a skirt, today of all day?
Suddenly, I tripped over the damn skirt and collapsed on the ground. As I tried to get back up, a hand reached out to help me up. Without thinking much about it, I accept the help he offered, halting when I came face to face with Hunter!
“What are you doing here? You know what? Out of my way, I need to chase after someone.” I broke into a run, only to be dragged back by him.
Slamming into his body from the impact, I froze, catching my breath.
“And who are you running after?” He inquired, pausing to look at the driver as he stopped beside us, catching his breath.
Poor guy! He looked like he was about to pass out! He must have seen me running out of the store and chased after me.
“Heather! I saw her from the store! I need to go after her before she escapes.” I hissed, shoving him out of the way.
He didn’t budge, “That wasn’t Heather.”
Huh?
What the hell is he talking about? While I was still trying to make sense of his words, I saw her approaching us… looking at her from the front, she was no Heather! But from the back view, and the way she was dressed.
“You see sweetheart, I hired her to walk by here. Had her dresser exactly like Heather, because I know you would come after her.” Declared Hunter, turning to the lady.
“Thank you for your service… and don’t ever dress like this again.” He inserted his hand into his pocket, bringing out some cash and handing it to her.
“Thank you so much Beta.” She beamed, casually walking away like nothing happened.
“You did this?” I was seeing red, blind rage filled me. How could he play such a cruel joke on me? “How could you do that to me, Hunter? How could you play such a cruel joke on me? That woman tortured me!”
“And what were you thinking, setting a place full of kids on fire? One of the kids could have been hurt! One Infact almost did get hurt, remember Venna? She was hiding out in the weapon room to take a nap… the same room you set on fire!”
“What?” I froze, having no idea that someone was hiding there and how did he know it was me?
“You shouldn’t have messed with me like that Hunter, you shouldn’t have.” My voice quivered with unshed tears.
“Remember, you are not the only one who fights dirty.” He retorted, going back the same way he came…!